Chapter 1- Atem

He strode out into the morning sunlight, the light from the halls reflecting off of the polished floors, blinding him. His golden wrist cuffs sparkled as he walked, accenting a radiance of dancing lights across the columns. His steps echoed down the long hallway, feeling the wind flutter his cape, abruptly reminding him of its weight, despite the light breeze.

He sighed, it had been a long time since he had a morning to himself. Not that he was complaining. He didn't mind all the responsibilities he had as the King of Egypt, but moments like these were so rare anymore he nearly forgot what solace felt like.

It would be a few hours yet before his 5 year old daughter's voice would fill the empty halls. The sound of her laughter would abolish the silence, and make room for places only a child's mind was allowed.

He smiled at the thought. Being the only child of the Pharaoh, and being a female, he wanted her to keep her innocence for as long as she would be allowed to. He cringed at the thought of her status being a subject of argument, having to arrange her betrothment to someone from the outside who would take his place. But these were the rules of tradition. Even at her young age, she was already subject to the whispers among the people when they went out, as well as the disapproval behind closed doors during his meetings with the Upper Kingdom.

"If only you had a male heir..."

His eyes narrowed at the thought. His child was his one and only, after the attack on the palace that resulted in the death of his Queen and nearly himself just 5 years before, it didn't matter to him. She would be his heir, regardless of the rules set by years of tradition. Just that no one knew of his intentions yet. He was prepared to tell them when Saio reached a bit more maturity.

The incident 5 years before had left an invisible stain upon the palace that spread to him each time he made contact with any part of it. He was left to raise his child of his own accord. To teach her the ways of a princess and eventually, a queen. He had no intent on leaving this to the Mistresses of the neighboring countries.

He had defied the rules ever since his ascent to the throne. He had chosen his queen on a whim, not even bothering to go through the process of being betrothed. He had overthrown that decision, as it was no one else's to make but his own. And he wanted the same for his daughter.

He glanced down at the heavy golden triangle around his neck, squinting slightly as the reflection from its shiny surface hit his eyes.

The Millennium Puzzle, one of 7 mysterious items that were in circulation even before he was born. The reason his father had died earlier than his time, and why shadows now plagued Egypt. There were actually 8 of them now. In his pocket rested a newly forged golden bracelet, too small for an adult's wrist. He decided he would give it to her today. She was born possessing much stronger power than his own, and she needed her own form of protection.

Set with this resolve, he continued down the hallway.

"Good morning, my Pharaoh".

A voice separated him from his thoughts, bringing him back to the now. High Priest Seto stood before him, clutching a long golden rod in his hand.

Atem glanced at Seto, giving him a small nod. "Quite too bright for my taste, though".

Seto looked upon Atem with suspicion.

"You were not due up for a few hours. Your schedule is clear until later this morning. You could have slept in".

Atem almost wanted to laugh, but he knew Seto's point. He hadn't "slept in" since he was 10. He barely knew the expression, if it were not for his child.

"You know I don't do that". He smirked half heartedly.

Only Seto knew this side of him. They were cousins, after all. While Atem was not as serious as his father before him, he kept personal relations brief and private. Seto was his Priest first, family second, at least in public.

Atem fixed his gaze forward, continuing his ascent down the hallway, Seto following. "Yes, but I also know you're capable of doing that. You can leave some duties to me, you know. It is sort of my job".

Atem didn't even let his acknowledgement show on his face, only glancing at him. "Sort of your job?"

Seto looked embarrassed. "My apologies. It is my job. You can entrust things for me to take care of while you rest".

Atem sighed, closing his eyes in order to resist the temptation to roll them. Since the incident 5 years ago, Seto hovered over him like a helicopter parent.

"I'm fine. I get enough sleep. If I'm honest, I wanted to get away and have a bit of a quiet morning to myself".

Seto didn't seem convinced, but said nothing more of the issue. "Is there a reason why you had me keep your schedule open, if you aren't going to take the opportunity to rest?"

Atem said nothing as he walked into the throne room, tensing only slightly at the energy shift in the palace at his entrance. The throne, even though he sat on it daily, never ceased to look daunting to him. While it was a symbol of the King of Egypt to all, to Atem it was a reminder of how much responsibility was on his shoulders. His eyes wandered to the side of the throne where his Queen once stood. Closing his eyes at the memory, he ascended and sat down slowly, glancing at Seto, taking a breath. "Summon the priests".

The morning sun streaming into the room did nothing to disrupt the sleeping 5 year old sprawled across the bed. She was small for her age, her tiny frame tangled comfortably in the covers of her father's bed, clutching a doll that looked very similar to the Pharaoh to her as she slept. A small golden necklace caught the sunlight, lighting up the uncovered side of her face. She had soft pale skin, short black hair, save for two long blonde bangs that fell across her face in her sleep. She momentarily stirred due to the brightness of the light coming in, threatening her childhood slumber, but quickly fell back into her calm, peaceful dreams.

Atem stared at the 6 faces before him. He cleared his throat before speaking, making sure to make full eye contact with each of them to confirm their attention.

"I will be taking Saio on a special errand today. You all have your orders, and I expect them to be followed, no matter what you hear...or may see. Is that understood?" He said this not knowing exactly what would happen once he presented Saio with the item in his pocket. From infancy, her range of power was completely random, and almost uncontrollable even for him. But he wouldn't risk the lives of his court if it came down to it. He eyed Seto, in particular.

The priests all nodded in understanding, as they didn't have much choice.

"Good. I will still take care of the priorities in my schedule this morning." He sat back without another word, dismissing them with a simple wave of his hand. Seto was the only one who didn't turn away to leave.